EDC 430/1 - Secondary Science Teaching Methods

Agenda for Class 03: How Do I Plan So that Students Will Understand?

Goal: Describe a process for planning for understanding. Relate this process to our unit plan assignment.

Due before class:

• Read: Gallagher Ch 03
• Read: A Parting Gift From Last Year's Student Teachers on Their Way Out of the Door

Activities

• Think about: Given what you have read about Teaching for Understanding" and our discussions so far, would you make any changes to the lesson structure suggested by this cartoon?
• Discuss Gallagher Ch 3.
• Work in small groups to create and present tools that will help us plan photosynthesis unit(s).
  • Group 1: Examine last year's unit plan requirements in light of this year's theme of "Teaching for Understanding." EDC 430 Unit Plan Structure - 2008
  • Group 2. Examine National and State Standards to create a concept map of photosynthesis. Learning Goals for Photosynthesis
  • Group 3. Map RIDE's "Dimensions of Knowledge" to Gallagher's "activity types." Depths of Knowledge
  • Group 4. Examine National and State Standards to create a concept map of kinematics. Learning Goals for Kinematics
  • Group 5. Create a Unit Planning Sequence based on Gallagher's Chapter 3. EDC 430 Unit Planning Sequence
• Small group presentations. - As we share, use each page's discussion forum to record your ideas for revision and/or extension.

Week's Assignments

• Due Friday, Sept 26
  • Complete Observation/Reflection #0

For Next Week

• Readings
  • Gallagher Ch 4
  • Chiappetta & Koballa, Chapter 3: Planning to Teach Science
  • Science & Safety: Making the Connection
• Written Assignments Due
  • Post review of first professional journal article.
  • Post a two-paragraph description of your unit plan.
  • Discuss year's course topics with your cooperating teacher(s).